10 Simple Health Premises

I must confess something.  I have moments where I get weary of thinking about how to be healthier.  I love the part in the Christmas Story where Ralphie's mother has him sitting in the bathroom with the LifeBuoy soap in his mouth.  Remembering and thinking about what I need to do to be healthier sometimes feels like being in trouble, and faced with a plate of kale and mustard greens a lot like the LifeBuoy soap.  Why MUST everything "healthy" taste SO un-Cinnabon-like?

Approaching a New Year we are once again reminded of the DAILY nature of turning over a new leaf, of repenting of the sins of our past, of changing something about ourselves to make life better.  It is a good time to be reminded that better health is actually composed of a small set of simple premises.  I will not kid you about the ease with which you can accomplish this lifestyle, but I think it is largely difficult because we are used to living so far off the mark.  For review sake, here is my list of 10 simple premises for good health.

1. Water:   1/3 of your body weight in fluid ounces.
2. Exercise: A brisk walk for 20 minutes a day.
3. Diet: 3x a day eat a good protein-containing food with the remainder of your plate filled with fruit or vegetables.
4. Wear your seat belt.
5. Brush and floss your teeth.
6. Essential fatty acids: 4 fish oil or flax oil capsules a day.
7. Prayer/Meditation: 30-60 minutes a day, divided as it works for your schedule.
8. Perform one kind act for another person each day, and reflect on how God's love is working in your life.
9. At day's end list at least 3 things for which your are grateful.
10. Sleep: At least 7 hours a night. 

On paper that's not a hard list to succeed at doing.  If you find yourself unable to succeed at it, perhaps it's time to sit in the bathroom with some LifeBuoy soap in your mouth for making all the silly excuses that are shortening your life?

NatureWords for your health!
Dr. M.